United Way of Racine County Launches New AI Skill-A-Thon, as part of Microsoft's AI Skills Initiative

RACINE COUNTY (Aug. 15, 2024) — Today, United Way of Racine County, in collaboration with Microsoft, is launching a new AI Skill-A-Thon, a free skilling competition in September to help local professionals, jobseekers, students and employers learn basic knowledge, skills and competencies in AI to help them in their chosen career path. Participants in the Skill-A-Thon will be able to earn professional certificates to demonstrate their AI knowledge and win cash prizes up to $1,500.

Across the country, technology is rapidly changing the way we work and live. AI has the potential to empower people and organizations but it’s critical that everyone, everywhere, has the skills to harness its benefits. Through its skills initiatives, Microsoft has helped train and certify more than 12 million people around the world with digital and AI skills for in-demand jobs.

“United Way of Racine County is dedicated to empowering our community by providing access to resources and skills that promote economic stability and career advancement,” said Katie Tuttle, special projects manager at United Way of Racine County. “Offering the AI Skill-A-Thon and Community Skills Initiative can help Racine County's students and lifelong learners get the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the increasingly digital modern workplaces.”

As part of Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative, all courses in the Skill-A-Thon are free to complete and available online via smartphone, tablet, desktop, or laptop. While there is an emphasis on AI-skills, participants can also choose from courses that offer entry level digital skills, soft skills, or essential role-based skills for in-demand careers. The courses are accessible in both English and Spanish and designed to introduce learners to new skills in an on-demand format. Anyone 16 and older can tap into the learning pathways and courses, including employers or individuals.

Participants can register in one of three age categories: 16-24 years old, 25-49 years old, and 50 years and older. Participants can begin registering on today

Prizes are as follows, for each category:

  • First place: $1,500
  • Second place: $1,000
  • Third place: $600
  • Fourth place: $250

The AI Skill-A-Thon will commence on September 1 at 12:01 a.m. local time and will conclude on September 30 at 11:59 p.m. local time. For more information and to register for the AI Skill-A-Thon, visit UnitedWayRacine.org/skill. Local employers, teachers, and nonprofits are encouraged to share the skills initiative website as a resource for online training and upskill opportunities.